Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (DV)

Mangalore, Mar 31: "People are the lords in a democracy. Greater change can be brought about through revolution if the Constitution is studied and discussed by the common man," said S R Hiremath, RTI activist and founder of Samaja Parivarthana Samudaya.

He was addressing an interaction programme organized by the district unit of Aam Aadmi Party for its workers at Don Bosco here on Monday March 31.

Answering queries from AAP members, Hiremath said, "Media is the fourth pillar of democracy. It is also a tool through which corruption can be exposed. Corruption has become like a symptom of disease. Hence it should be treated as a very serious issue. After Independence the white elite left India by giving power to the brown elite but we should strive for real ‘Swaraj’."     

He further said, "After Independence struggle, next there was struggle for rights and freedom during the Emergency. Now this the third revolution, to transform our corrupt society into a civilized society. This is long revolution. We should take the responsibility of building a good nation keeping all our ego aside, if not, our future generations will curse us."

In his address S R Hiremath attacked Congress minister D K Shivakumar, and former BJP minister Janardhana Reddy and Anil Lad and said that they have looted the state by exploiting nature. "Several people have suffered due to the adverse impact of illegal mining," he added.

He also alleged that former chief ministers S M Krishna and Yeddurappa were involved in corruption. Commenting on BJP prime ministerial nominee Narendra Modi, he said, "Modi is following the policy of 'England's Shopkeepers' who looted this nation in the name of business."

He also said every village should be civilized and become a republic in its own right. "In a democratic nation people should raise their voice, gain knowledge from reading and experience and strive hard with honesty and righteousness. People should follow the chain of theory, action and reflection," he added.

"You showed read the books like 'Hind Swaraj', 'Annihilation of Caste' and 'Prison Diary'. Read the Constitution, gain knowledge, and work without selfishness for a better society," he advised the AAP workers.
 
AAP candidate from Dakshina Kannada M R Vasudeva welcomed.

Confusion

Robert Rosario, former AAP convener who was recently expelled from AAP, created momentary confusion with a question on Sowjanya rape and murder case.

Hiremath during his interaction referred to the Delhi Nirabhaya case wherein a 23-year-old was bruatlly gang-raped and left to die by six men. When his turn came, Rosario told Hiremath that a similar incident had taken place in Beltangady wherein 17-year-old Sowjanya was raped and murdered. He asked Hiremath whether it was right on party candidate M R Vasudeva's part to remain silent on the case and choose not to protest. At this, other party workers raised objection and said it was a 'lie'.

S R Hiremath in his reply to Rosario said, "We need to examine the issue first and study the case thoroughly. People should be empowered to act."